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Physician — MD / DO
Physician licensing requires an MD or DO degree, passing the USMLE or COMLEX exam series, and completing ACGME-accredited residency training. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) provides expedited multi-state licensure. CME requirements and fees vary significantly by state.
51
Total States
43
IMLC Members
5
Require Jurisprudence
61.8 hrs
Avg CME Hours
Medical licensure involves completing medical school, passing board exams, completing residency, and meeting state-specific requirements.
MD candidates take the three-step USMLE (Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3). DO candidates may take the COMLEX-USA (Levels 1, 2-CE, and 3). Most states accept either exam series. All steps must be passed within a specified timeframe.
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) allows physicians to obtain expedited licenses in member states through a Letter of Qualification (LOQ). Over 40 states have joined the compact, streamlining multi-state practice.
All states require at least one year of ACGME-accredited residency. Most require completion of a full residency program. After licensure, physicians must complete state-mandated CME hours each renewal cycle, typically 20-50 hours.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | USMLE | IMLC Member | Jurisprudence | CME Hours | Total Fees | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 25 | $525 | high |
| Alaska(AK) | Yes | No | No | 50 | $400 | high |
| Arizona(AZ) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $500 | high |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | No | No | 20 | $400 | high |
| California(CA) | Yes | No | No | 50 | $1,151 | high |
| Colorado(CO) | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $400 | high |
| Connecticut(CT) | Yes | Yes | No | 50 | $565 | high |
| Delaware(DE) | Yes | Yes | No | 100 | $430 | high |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | Yes | No | 50 | $803 | high |
| Florida(FL) | Yes | No | No | 40 | $630 | high |
| Georgia(GA) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $500 | high |
| Hawaii(HI) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $480 | high |
| Idaho(ID) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $400 | high |
| Illinois(IL) | Yes | Yes | No | 150 | $500 | high |
| Indiana(IN) | Yes | Yes | No | 0 | $250 | high |
| Iowa(IA) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $445 | high |
| Kansas(KS) | Yes | Yes | No | 50 | $300 | high |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | Yes | No | 60 | $300 | high |
| Louisiana(LA) | Yes | Yes | No | 20 | $382 | high |
| Maine(ME) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 100 | $700 | high |
| Maryland(MD) | Yes | Yes | No | 50 | $790 | high |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Yes | No | No | 100 | $600 | high |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | Yes | No | 150 | $370 | high |
| Minnesota(MN) | Yes | Yes | No | 75 | $424 | high |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $550 | high |
| Missouri(MO) | Yes | Yes | No | 50 | $75 | high |
| Montana(MT) | Yes | Yes | No | 0 | $500 | high |
| Nebraska(NE) | Yes | Yes | No | 50 | $350 | high |
| Nevada(NV) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $1,425 | high |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Yes | Yes | No | 100 | $300 | high |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | Yes | No | 100 | $805 | high |
| New Mexico(NM) | Yes | Yes | No | 75 | $400 | high |
| New York(NY) | Yes | No | No | 0 | $735 | high |
| North Carolina(NC) | Yes | Yes | No | 60 | $400 | high |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | Yes | No | 60 | $400 | high |
| Ohio(OH) | Yes | Yes | No | 100 | $305 | high |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Yes | Yes | No | 60 | $500 | high |
| Oregon(OR) | Yes | No | Yes | 60 | $375 | high |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Yes | Yes | No | 100 | $35 | high |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $1,090 | high |
| South Carolina(SC) | Yes | No | No | 40 | $580 | high |
| South Dakota(SD) | Yes | Yes | No | 0 | $400 | high |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $510 | high |
| Texas(TX) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 48 | $817 | high |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | Yes | No | 40 | $200 | high |
| Vermont(VT) | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $650 | high |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Yes | No | 60 | $302 | high |
| Washington(WA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 200 | $511 | high |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | Yes | No | 50 | $400 | high |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | Yes | No | 30 | $60 | high |
| Wyoming(WY) | Yes | Yes | No | 60 | $400 | high |
Physicians often work alongside other licensed healthcare professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.
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